Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

We pursue our national interests and project the UK as a force for good in the world. We promote the interests of British citizens, safeguard the UK’s security, defend our values, reduce poverty and tackle global challenges with our international partners.



Secretary of State

 Portrait

Yvette Cooper
Foreign Secretary

Shadow Ministers / Spokeperson
Liberal Democrat
Lord Purvis of Tweed (LD - Life peer)
Liberal Democrat Lords Spokesperson (Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs)
Calum Miller (LD - Bicester and Woodstock)
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Foreign Affairs)

Conservative
Priti Patel (Con - Witham)
Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs

Green Party
Ellie Chowns (Green - North Herefordshire)
Green Spokesperson (Foreign Affairs)
Junior Shadow Ministers / Deputy Spokesperson
Conservative
Lord Callanan (Con - Life peer)
Shadow Minister (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Wendy Morton (Con - Aldridge-Brownhills)
Shadow Minister (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Junior Shadow Ministers / Deputy Spokesperson
Conservative
Andrew Rosindell (Con - Romford)
Shadow Parliamentary Under Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs)
Alec Shelbrooke (Con - Wetherby and Easingwold)
Shadow Parliamentary Under Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs)
Ministers of State
Stephen Doughty (LAB - Cardiff South and Penarth)
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Parliamentary Under-Secretaries of State
Lord Collins of Highbury (Lab - Life peer)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Hamish Falconer (Lab - Lincoln)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Seema Malhotra (LAB - Feltham and Heston)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Chris Elmore (Lab - Bridgend)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
There are no upcoming events identified
Debates
Wednesday 3rd December 2025
Venezuela: US Military
Urgent Question
Select Committee Docs
Monday 1st December 2025
11:00
Select Committee Inquiry
Thursday 27th March 2025
The UK Government’s China Audit

Although China is the UK’s fifth largest trading partner, the UK Government has, in recent years, described China as an …

Written Answers
Friday 5th December 2025
Myanmar: Rohingya
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent diplomatic steps she has taken with …
Secondary Legislation
Tuesday 30th September 2025
Iran (Sanctions) (Nuclear) (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2025
These Regulations amend the Iran (Sanctions) (Nuclear) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (“the 2019 Regulations”) to reflect the United Nations (“UN”) …
Bills
Wednesday 10th September 2025
Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Bill 2024-26
A Bill to make provision for and in connection with the implementation by the United Kingdom of the Agreement under …
Dept. Publications
Friday 5th December 2025
18:12

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Commons Appearances

Oral Answers to Questions is a regularly scheduled appearance where the Secretary of State and junior minister will answer at the Dispatch Box questions from backbench MPs

Other Commons Chamber appearances can be:
  • Urgent Questions where the Speaker has selected a question to which a Minister must reply that day
  • Adjornment Debates a 30 minute debate attended by a Minister that concludes the day in Parliament.
  • Oral Statements informing the Commons of a significant development, where backbench MP's can then question the Minister making the statement.

Westminster Hall debates are performed in response to backbench MPs or e-petitions asking for a Minister to address a detailed issue

Written Statements are made when a current event is not sufficiently significant to require an Oral Statement, but the House is required to be informed.

Most Recent Commons Appearances by Category
Dec. 02
Oral Questions
Dec. 03
Urgent Questions
Dec. 02
Westminster Hall
Nov. 05
Adjournment Debate
View All Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Commons Contibutions

Bills currently before Parliament

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not have Bills currently before Parliament


Acts of Parliament created in the 2024 Parliament

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has not passed any Acts during the 2024 Parliament

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office - Secondary Legislation

These Regulations amend the Iran (Sanctions) (Nuclear) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (“the 2019 Regulations”) to reflect the United Nations (“UN”) obligations imposed in relation to Iran by virtue of paragraph 12 of UN Security Council Resolution 2231 (2015).
This Order approves the making of payments on behalf of the Government of the United Kingdom to the International Development Association (the “Association”) of sums not exceeding £1,980 million as a contribution to the Twenty-First Replenishment of the Association. The payments approved by this Order will be made pursuant to Resolution No. 255 adopted by the Board of Governors of the Association on 15th April 2025. The Order also provides for the redemption of non-interest-bearing and non-negotiable notes issued by the Secretary of State pursuant to arrangements between the Government and the Association.
View All Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Secondary Legislation

Petitions

e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.

If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.

If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).

Trending Petitions
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Petitions with most signatures
Petition Debates Contributed
198,966
Petition Closed
28 Jul 2025
closed 4 months, 1 week ago

Act to ensure deliverer of fuel, food, aid, life saving services etc. We think this shouldn't be dependant/on condition of Israeli facilitation as the Knesset voted against UNWRA access to Gaza. We think if military delivery of aid, airdrops, peacekeepers etc, are needed, then all be considered.

View All Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Petitions

Departmental Select Committee

Foreign Affairs Committee

Commons Select Committees are a formally established cross-party group of backbench MPs tasked with holding a Government department to account.

At any time there will be number of ongoing investigations into the work of the Department, or issues which fall within the oversight of the Department. Witnesses can be summoned from within the Government and outside to assist in these inquiries.

Select Committee findings are reported to the Commons, printed, and published on the Parliament website. The government then usually has 60 days to reply to the committee's recommendations.


11 Members of the Foreign Affairs Committee
Emily Thornberry Portrait
Emily Thornberry (Labour - Islington South and Finsbury)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 11th September 2024
John Whittingdale Portrait
John Whittingdale (Conservative - Maldon)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Abtisam Mohamed Portrait
Abtisam Mohamed (Labour - Sheffield Central)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Uma Kumaran Portrait
Uma Kumaran (Labour - Stratford and Bow)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Dan Carden Portrait
Dan Carden (Labour - Liverpool Walton)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Aphra Brandreth Portrait
Aphra Brandreth (Conservative - Chester South and Eddisbury)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Edward Morello Portrait
Edward Morello (Liberal Democrat - West Dorset)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Richard Foord Portrait
Richard Foord (Liberal Democrat - Honiton and Sidmouth)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Phil Brickell Portrait
Phil Brickell (Labour - Bolton West)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 16th December 2024
Alex Ballinger Portrait
Alex Ballinger (Labour - Halesowen)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 16th December 2024
Fleur Anderson Portrait
Fleur Anderson (Labour - Putney)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 27th October 2025
Foreign Affairs Committee: Upcoming Events
Foreign Affairs Committee - Oral evidence
Work of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
9 Dec 2025, 9:30 a.m.
At 10:00am: Oral evidence
Sir Oliver Robbins KCMG CB - Permanent Under-Secretary at Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office
Nick Dyer - Second Permanent Under-Secretary at Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office
Tim Jones - Finance Director at Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office

View calendar - Save to Calendar
Foreign Affairs Committee: Previous Inquiries
Environmental diplomacy The Myanmar crisis Coronavirus: FCDO response The UK and Iran The FCDO and the Integrated Review The FCO's human rights work in 2013 Gibraltar The UK's relations with Hong Kong: 30 years after the Joint Declaration FCO performance and finances 2013-14 Hong Kong Russia and Ukraine Overseas Territories FCO consular services UK policy towards Iran UK Government policy on the Kurdistan Region of Iraq The future of the BBC World Service Developments in Libya The fight against ISIL: the UK's role inquiry FCO budget and capacity inquiry Libya: Examination of intervention and collapse and the UK's future policy options inquiry Costs and benefits of EU membership for the UK's role in the world inquiry Foreign policy developments Progress of the Iraq Inquiry British Foreign policy and the 'Arab Spring': follow-up Appointment of Lord Hill of Oareford to the European Commission Hong Kong: China's ban on the Committee's visit Government foreign policy towards the United States Foreign and Commonwealth Office performance and finances 2012-13 Departmental Annual Report 2010-11 FCO Public Diplomacy: The Olympic and Paralympic Games 2012 FCO's Human Rights Work 2010-11 Overseas Territories British foreign policy and the 'Arab Spring' FCO's human rights work in 2011 The future of the European Union: UK Government policy The role and future of the Commonwealth UK's relations with Saudi Arabia and Bahrain The UK's response to extremism and political instability in North and West Africa The UK’s influence in the UN inquiry The UK’s response to hurricanes in its Overseas Territories inquiry Global Britain inquiry The Commonwealth Summit inquiry Responsibility to protect and humanitarian intervention inquiry Russian corruption and the UK inquiry Session with Minister of State for Africa inquiry The Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s Human Rights Work inquiry The Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s preparations for the World Cup inquiry The Western Balkans inquiry The future of the UK Overseas Territories inquiry Global Britain and India inquiry Global Britain: FCO skills inquiry The work of the Minister of State for the Middle East Global Britain and South America inquiry Global Britain: The future of UK sanctions policy inquiry FCO budget and capacity, and annual report 2017-18 inquiry Finding a diplomatic route: European responses to irregular migration inquiry The World Food Programme inquiry The Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Global media freedom inquiry Autocracies and UK Foreign Policy inquiry FCO secure communications and handling of classified information inquiry The future of Britain’s diplomatic relationship with Europe - follow up inquiry Beyond Aid: The UK’s Strategic Engagement in Africa inquiry Human rights: Freedom of religion and belief, and human rights defenders inquiry The Caucasus inquiry The UK and Iran’s regional role inquiry Economic foreign policy inquiry The UK’s policy towards the Middle East Peace Process inquiry UK relations with China inquiry The FCO policy on arms exports inquiry Evidence from HE Lord Llewellyn of Steep on his appointment as HM Ambassador to Paris inquiry Resignation of Lord Hill of Oareford from the European Commission inquiry FCO budget and capacity, and Annual Report 2015-16 inquiry Violence in Rakhine State inquiry China and the international rules-based system inquiry FCO budget and capacity, and annual report 2016-17 Oral evidence from the Foreign Secretary Kurdish aspirations and the interests of the UK inquiry The future of Britain’s diplomatic relationship with Europe inquiry Political Islam inquiry UK's relations with Russia inquiry Human rights inquiry The future operations of BBC monitoring inquiry Human Rights: Annual review of the work of the FCO inquiry UK's relations with Turkey inquiry Implications of leaving the EU for the UK's role in the world inquiry The UK’s role in strengthening multilateral organisations FCO-DFID merger Xinjiang detention camps Global health security Update to the UK's Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy Critical minerals Western Balkans The UK’s engagement in Central Asia The UK’s international counter-terrorism policy The UK’s engagement with the Middle East and North Africa International relations within the multilateral system The BBC World Service: Is Britain Losing its Soft Power? Work of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict The work of the British Council Soft power: a strategy for UK success? Disinformation diplomacy: How malign actors are seeking to undermine democracy The UK’s sanctions strategy The UK-EU reset: rebuilding a strategic partnership in uncertain times The UK at the United Nations Security Council The UK Government’s China Audit Beyond Aid: The UK’s Strategic Engagement in Africa Autocracies and UK Foreign Policy The future of Britain’s diplomatic relationship with Europe- follow up inquiry China and the international rules-based system Economic foreign policy Finding a diplomatic route: European responses to irregular migration FCO budget and capacity, and annual report 2017-18 The Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Global media freedom FCO secure communications and handling of classified information Human rights: Freedom of religion and belief, and human rights defenders Global Britain and South America Global Britain: The future of UK sanctions policy The work of the Minister of State for the Middle East Global Britain and India The future of the UK Overseas Territories Oral evidence from the Foreign Secretary The UK’s influence in the UN Session with Minister of State for Africa Responsibility to protect and humanitarian intervention The Caucasus The UK and Iran’s regional role The World Food Programme

50 most recent Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department

27th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she had with the Scottish Government prior to the meeting between the First Minister of Scotland and the President of Ireland on 26 November 2025 in Dublin; and whether officials were present at the meeting.

Under the provisions of the Good Friday Agreement, the Devolved Governments are entitled to have discussions with Ireland on matters within devolved competence. These meetings are not routinely attended by UK Government officials but the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is made aware of them in advance.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
27th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she had discussions with the Scottish Government prior to the meeting between the First Minister of Scotland and the Leader of Sinn Fein on 26 November 2025 in Dublin.

Under the provisions of the Good Friday Agreement, the Devolved Governments are entitled to have discussions with Ireland on matters within devolved competence. These meetings are not routinely attended by UK Government officials but the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is made aware of them in advance.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
26th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent diplomatic steps she has taken with her international counterparts to ensure the protection of Rohingya women and girls in Myanmar.

As penholder on Myanmar at the UN Security Council, we convened six Council meetings in 2024, including the first open meeting in five years focused on the Rohingya, and we have convened three Council meetings so far in 2025. We also co-sponsored a UN Human Rights Council resolution in April this year, and a UN Third Committee Resolution in November, on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, condemning ongoing violations particularly against ethnic minorities, including Rohingya. We continue to call for the protection of civilians and humanitarian access to Rakhine State, most recently at the UN Third Committee on 19 November.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
27th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions her Department has had with the Faroese Minister for Fisheries on cetacean hunts.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer he was provided on 14 October 2024 in response to Question 7965.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
27th Nov 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to (1) the government of Pakistan and (2) other international partners including Commonwealth representatives, about the jail conditions of Imran Khan, and what assessment they have made of reports that he has been denied visits or phone calls.

I refer the Noble Lord to the answer given by the Minister for the Middle East on 17 September to Question 73142, which - for ease of reference - is reproduced below:

While judicial matters are for Pakistan's courts, the UK has consistently emphasised to its counterparts in Pakistan the need for due process, fair trials, and humane treatment for all, including Mr Imran Khan.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
21st Nov 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government how many meetings of the Chagossian contact group have been attended by a Minister of the Crown.

I refer the Noble Lord to the answer given to question HL12156 on 2 December.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
27th Nov 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the government of Uzbekistan about the imprisonment of Alisher Tursunov, and what diplomatic steps they are taking to secure his release.

The UK is committed to standing up for Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) globally. No one should live in fear because of what they do or do not believe in. Our Embassy in Tashkent regularly raises human rights with the Uzbek authorities and maintains a dialogue with local human rights groups. In Uzbekistan's most recent UN Universal Periodic Review, the UK raised concerns over FoRB amongst other human rights issues and continues to consider when is most impactful and appropriate to raise individual cases.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
27th Nov 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of recent sectarian atrocities and abductions of children in Nigeria, and the underlying causes; and what recent discussions they have had with the government of Nigeria about securing the release of abductees and bringing the perpetrators to justice.

I refer the Noble Lord to the written statement that I made to the House on 27 November (UIN HLWS1104).

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
24th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of historical UK-linked deforestation and extractive industries on biodiversity loss in the Global South; and whether her Department supports global ecological restoration initiatives.

Global deforestation rates peaked in the 1980s at around 15 million hectares per year, driven by a range of factors, including global demand for agricultural commodities, timber and wood products. Deforestation rates have since declined to around 10 million hectares a year but much more needs to be done to protect forests, which are a vital refuge for biodiversity, support the livelihoods of over one billion people worldwide and are crucial to limiting the damaging effects of climate change.

The UK is supporting efforts to restore critical global ecosystems and is on track to deliver £3 billion in International Climate Finance for nature and biodiversity by March 2026. This includes funding to international initiatives such as the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund, which aims to restore 30 per cent of degraded ecosystems globally by 2030.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
25th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to promote Northern Ireland’s economic and cultural interests through UK embassies overseas.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is committed to ensuring the Devolved Governments' economic and cultural interests are promoted internationally. Invest Northern Ireland officials are co-located in a number of FCDO overseas posts, and across the world our missions work to promote Northern Ireland, and the UK as a whole. This includes supporting Northern Ireland Ministers when they travel overseas.

As part of a series of new Heads of Mission Roadshows to UK countries and regions, our High Commissioner to Singapore visited Northern Ireland in September 2025 to advance opportunities for Singaporean foreign direct investment in Northern Ireland. The most recent Soft Power Council Meeting was also held in Belfast in October. This was a key forum for the FCDO, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the Devolved Governments and stakeholders in Northern Ireland to come together and create a unified strategy that can leverage the UK's cultural offer internationally.

I was delighted to host representatives of Northern Ireland creative industries at the recent Western Balkans summit at Hillsborough Castle, and to showcase the best of Northern Ireland to visiting Foreign Ministers and officials.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
1st Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with her Iranian counterpart concerning the recent detention of Afghan Christian, Teymur Hosseini; and what diplomatic steps she is taking to ensure his release.

Further to the answer I gave on 29 October to Question 83265, we are concerned by the reported case of Teymur Hosseini, and we continue to monitor the situation for Christians in Iran.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
26th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, who the members are of the Quint working group.

The Hon Member may be referring to the informal grouping of the United Kingdom, United States, France, Germany and Italy which, for example, works alongside the EU and NATO on promoting stability in the Western Balkans.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
27th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking with international partners to assess (a) the whereabouts of former residents of El-Fasher and (b) what proportion of those residents (i) remain in the city, (ii) have safely exited the city, (ii) have been executed in the city and (iv) have been (A) executed and (B) detained while attempting to leave the city.

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the statements on Sudan made by the Foreign Secretary on 18 November, and by the Minister of State for International Development and Africa in the House of Lords debate on 27 November. We will provide further updates to the House in due course, including on international efforts to end the fighting, and the progress we are making to reach all the people and regions currently in desperate need of humanitarian support.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
27th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of escalating conflict in Kordofan, including in Bara and El Obeid, on the humanitarian situation in Sudan.

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the statements on Sudan made by the Foreign Secretary on 18 November, and by the Minister of State for International Development and Africa in the House of Lords debate on 27 November. We will provide further updates to the House in due course, including on international efforts to end the fighting, and the progress we are making to reach all the people and regions currently in desperate need of humanitarian support.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
27th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with international partners on the need for civilian protection in Kordofan.

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the statements on Sudan made by the Foreign Secretary on 18 November, and by the Minister of State for International Development and Africa in the House of Lords debate on 27 November. We will provide further updates to the House in due course, including on international efforts to end the fighting, and the progress we are making to reach all the people and regions currently in desperate need of humanitarian support.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
27th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the siege of El Obeid on civilians.

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the statements on Sudan made by the Foreign Secretary on 18 November, and by the Minister of State for International Development and Africa in the House of Lords debate on 27 November. We will provide further updates to the House in due course, including on international efforts to end the fighting, and the progress we are making to reach all the people and regions currently in desperate need of humanitarian support.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
27th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations she or her Department have made to the i) Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), ii) Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and iii) Quad countries concerning access for the a) Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) and b) Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan.

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the statements on Sudan made by the Foreign Secretary on 18 November, and by the Minister of State for International Development and Africa in the House of Lords debate on 27 November. We will provide further updates to the House in due course, including on international efforts to end the fighting, and the progress we are making to reach all the people and regions currently in desperate need of humanitarian support.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
27th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 26 February 2025 to Question 31508 on religious freedom, what issues have been recently considered between the Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief and the Minister for Human Right to inform wider foreign policy.

The UK Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief continues to work closely with ministers and officials across a range of issues and geographies, including the current situations in Sudan, Nigeria and Syria. He also works to strengthen international coalitions and represent the UK internationally, most recently at the High-Level International Religious Freedom or Belief (Article 18) Alliance Conference, held in Prague on 12-13 November.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
28th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has made recent representations to her Pakistani counterparts on reports of escalating human rights violations in Balochistan.

I refer the Rt Hon. Member to the answer given on 2 June to Question 51410.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
1st Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the Government will be represented at the Gaza Reconstruction Conference in Egypt and at what ministerial level the UK will be represented; and whether the Government will make financial commitments at that Conference.

The level of attendance and nature of UK commitments at any future conference will be decided in due course once the timing and objectives of that conference have been decided.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
27th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the compliance of UK-based companies with the OECD's Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas as that code applies to Sudan.

The trade of illicit gold funds undermines the rule of law and perpetuates human rights abuses. Gold extraction and smuggling operations represent a significant loss to Sudan and undermine effective resource governance. The UK Government engages with the gold industry, in particular the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) and the World Gold Council, as well as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to support responsible sourcing and rigorous due diligence standards to enhance resilience to illicit gold and identify malign actors in the supply chain. As the UK is an OECD member, businesses in the UK apply the OECD's Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk areas, including the LBMA. The UK is a global leader in tackling illicit gold flows, recently hosting a joint FCDO-HMRC Gold Conference and launching a public-private partnership with industry to clamp down on illicit flows.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
27th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of global compliance with the OECD's Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas as that code applies to Sudan.

The trade of illicit gold funds undermines the rule of law and perpetuates human rights abuses. Gold extraction and smuggling operations represent a significant loss to Sudan and undermine effective resource governance. The UK Government engages with the gold industry, in particular the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) and the World Gold Council, as well as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to support responsible sourcing and rigorous due diligence standards to enhance resilience to illicit gold and identify malign actors in the supply chain. As the UK is an OECD member, businesses in the UK apply the OECD's Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk areas, including the LBMA. The UK is a global leader in tackling illicit gold flows, recently hosting a joint FCDO-HMRC Gold Conference and launching a public-private partnership with industry to clamp down on illicit flows.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
27th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the extent of operation of third-party audit of gold refineries in the different global centres of the gold trade including the UAE, Turkey and Switzerland.

The trade of illicit gold funds undermines the rule of law and perpetuates human rights abuses. Gold extraction and smuggling operations represent a significant loss to Sudan and undermine effective resource governance. The UK Government engages with the gold industry, in particular the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) and the World Gold Council, as well as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to support responsible sourcing and rigorous due diligence standards to enhance resilience to illicit gold and identify malign actors in the supply chain. As the UK is an OECD member, businesses in the UK apply the OECD's Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk areas, including the LBMA. The UK is a global leader in tackling illicit gold flows, recently hosting a joint FCDO-HMRC Gold Conference and launching a public-private partnership with industry to clamp down on illicit flows.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
27th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had at international level concerning work to close the regulatory and enforcement loopholes that allow the trade in conflict gold.

The trade of illicit gold funds undermines the rule of law and perpetuates human rights abuses. Gold extraction and smuggling operations represent a significant loss to Sudan and undermine effective resource governance. The UK Government engages with the gold industry, in particular the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) and the World Gold Council, as well as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to support responsible sourcing and rigorous due diligence standards to enhance resilience to illicit gold and identify malign actors in the supply chain. As the UK is an OECD member, businesses in the UK apply the OECD's Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk areas, including the LBMA. The UK is a global leader in tackling illicit gold flows, recently hosting a joint FCDO-HMRC Gold Conference and launching a public-private partnership with industry to clamp down on illicit flows.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
25th Nov 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answers by Baroness Chapman of Darlington on 24 November (HL11698 and HL11699), what representations they have made to the government of Nigeria about targeted killings, UK arms exports, and the support provided to civil society and faith-based organisations working to address religiously-targeted violence.

I refer the Noble Lord to the written statement that I made to the House on 27 November (UIN HLWS1104).

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
27th Nov 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government, with regard to part 6 of the Memorandum of Understanding on Strategic Cooperation between the United Kingdom and the Palestinian Government on education, what specific examples of revised textbooks or materials they have reviewed.

I refer the Noble Lord to the answer I provided on 27 November to Question HL11630.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
27th Nov 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have established a framework for assessing Palestinian Authority curriculum reform that is separate to that of the European Commission.

I refer the Noble Lord to the answer I provided on 27 November to Question HL11630.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
20th Nov 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Chapman of Darlington on 18 November (HL11731), whether they will now answer the question put: namely, what assessment they have made of Israel's compliance with (1) Articles 2 and 11–16 of the UN Convention Against Torture, (2) Articles 7, 9 and 10 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and (3) Articles 27 and 32 of the Fourth Geneva Convention; what impact that assessment has on their analysis of the risk of UK-licensed goods being used to commit or facilitate violations of international humanitarian law; and whether they will consider the suspension of extant export licences to Israel, including the Israel Prison Service.

I refer the Noble Baroness to the answer provided on 15 April 2025 to Question HL6259.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
17th Nov 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Chapman of Darlington on 12 November, whether they will now answer the question put, namely, on how many occasions their representatives have met or had discussions with members or representatives of Hamas since 7 October 2023.

We are clear that there can be no role for Hamas in the governance of Palestine. Hamas is a terrorist organisation whom we proscribe in its entirety. We have a long-standing policy of non-engagement with Hamas.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
18th Nov 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East’s (UNRWA) implementation of Recommendation 35 of the Colonna Review, which calls for the removal of hate speech, incitement to violence, and antisemitic references from educational materials in UNRWA schools; and what evidence they have that UK-funded support has contributed to progress on that reform.

The UK continues to support implementation of the Colonna Report by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to ensure they meet the highest standards on neutrality and integrity. 21 recommendations from the report have been completed, recommendation 35 is in progress. As per UNRWA's internal regulations, all references to hate speech, incitement to violence, and/or antisemitism are strictly banned from host-country textbooks, where locally produced supplements and materials are developed by UNRWA for use in its schools. The textbook review process in Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria has been finalised, with findings shared with host countries and further dialogue taking place to address outstanding issues in line with UN and UNESCO standards.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
25th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with her American counterparts on securing a ceasefire in Sudan following President Trump’s meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on 19 November 2025.

We continue to work tirelessly towards securing a ceasefire, humanitarian relief, and accountability for atrocities committed in Sudan, as set out in the Foreign Secretary's statement to the House on 18 November. We will provide further updates to the House in due course.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
25th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what humanitarian assistance her Department is giving to people in Sudan impacted by the conflict.

We continue to work tirelessly towards securing a ceasefire, humanitarian relief, and accountability for atrocities committed in Sudan, as set out in the Foreign Secretary's statement to the House on 18 November. We will provide further updates to the House in due course.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
25th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when her Department plans to bring forward potential sanctions relating to human rights violations and abuses in Sudan.

We continue to work tirelessly towards securing a ceasefire, humanitarian relief, and accountability for atrocities committed in Sudan, as set out in the Foreign Secretary's statement to the House on 18 November. We will provide further updates to the House in due course.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
25th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will make it her policy to support efforts to create a Special Rapporteur for Women and Girls Living Under Occupation at the United Nations.

In our discussions with the United Nations and other international bodies, the UK continues to push for greater priority to be given to the risks facing women and girls in conflict, as set out in the Foreign Secretary's speech on 24 November, available at the link below:

https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/twenty-five-years-of-women-peace-and-security.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
25th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how she marked Red Wednesday on 19 November; and what steps she is taking to support persecuted Christians across the world.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 3 November 2025 to Question 85662.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
20th Nov 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government how much they contributed to the World Food Programme in (1) 2023, (2) 2024, and (3) 2025, and how much they plan to contribute to that programme in 2026.

The UK is deeply concerned by rising levels of acute food insecurity and catastrophic hunger, and we are a key donor to the World Food Programme, with funding since 2023 as follows:

2023: 290,747,871 USD

2024: 610,111,395 USD

2025: 410,441,878 USD at last reporting date.

Funding for 2026 will be confirmed in due course. We are also working with partners to improve early warning systems, and invest in strengthening countries' resilience to food crises in the longer-term.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
19th Nov 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government what support they are providing with international partners to Ethiopia, following the Ministry for Health in Ethiopia confirming an outbreak of Marburg virus and three deaths.

We are monitoring the Marburg virus outbreak in southern Ethiopia very closely. Close engagement is underway with the Ethiopian Ministry of Health, the Ethiopian Public Health Institute, and international partners to assess the situation and identify where partnership with Ethiopian authorities would be most effective.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
19th Nov 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the reply by Baroness Chapman of Darlington on 4 November (HL Deb 1808), whether the statement setting out the Official Development Assistance allocations for 2026–27 and 2028–29 will describe the steps that the Secretary of State has taken to ensure that the 0.7 per cent target will be met by the UK in the next calendar year, as required by section 2(4) of the International Development (Official Development Assistance Target) Act 2015.

I refer the Noble Lord to the response of 19 November 2025 to Question HL11642.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
20th Nov 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have appointed the Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, and if so, when they will announce that appointment.

I refer the Noble Baroness to the answer provided on 27 November to Question HL11898.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
25th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many staff in their Department have been on mental health leave for six months or more; and for what reason.

The Civil Service publishes sickness absence statistics by organisation and by sickness reason, including mental ill-health. These figures are available in the publicly accessible Civil Service sickness absence reports on GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/sickness-absence). The next release of these statistics is scheduled for 18 December, and you may wish to refer to this forthcoming publication for the most up-to-date information.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
25th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of reports of increased prison restrictions for human rights activist Zhang Zhan; and what diplomatic steps she has taken with international partners to help ensure her release.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 20 October to Question 81324.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
25th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the Government gave assurances to the Chinese Government on the proposed Chinese Embassy in London after 4 July 2024 and before the previously refused planning application was resubmitted by the Chinese Government.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 14 July 2025 to Question 65869.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
1st Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with her Pakistani counterparts concerning the detention of Asif Pervaiz; and what diplomatic steps she is taking to support his release.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer given on 12 June to question 58220.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
25th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she had with international counterparts concerning ongoing reports of (a) detention and (b) killing of the Falun Gong in China.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 9 April to Question 43452.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
24th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking with the Southern African Development Community to help tackle violence against women and girls.

Tackling violence against women and girls is a key priority for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and forms a regular and essential part of our engagement with counterparts across the world, including in the Southern African Development Community.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
19th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with her counterparts in the Israeli government on the impact of food shortages on children in Gaza.

The UK is providing £78 million for humanitarian and early recovery support for Palestine this financial year. This includes £9.7 million to United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) to support provision of ready-to-use infant formula, water, sanitation and hygiene services, psychosocial services for children, and social protection to children.

In October, the Foreign Secretary spoke with Israeli Foreign Minister Sa'ar about the importance of opening more crossings and removing restrictions on aid to allow food to be delivered to all those in need, and we continue to call on Israel to enable humanitarian relief to reach every child in need of nutritional support, shelter and healthcare.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
24th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement on the Middle East made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 18 November.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
25th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with international counterparts on the protection of religious minorities in Syria.

Further to the answer given on 18 September to question 74583, I again raised this with the Syrian Foreign Minister during his visit to London in November.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
25th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps she is taking with international counterparts to ensure the protection of Alawite women and girls in Syria in the context of recent reports of abduction.

Further to the answer given on 18 September to question 74583, I again raised this with the Syrian Foreign Minister during his visit to London in November.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)